In conversation with Tom Little
In this episode we talk to Tom Little, stone worker and letter carver who also designs and runs the Stone Cutting and Stone Masonry Apprenticeship programme at the Kerry College of Further Education and Training. He tells us about the decline and evolution of Irish stone working from the 1960’s to now, where he’s seeing the beginning of a new ‘stone renaissance’ as the craft is better appreciated, in higher demand and is taken up by new generations of passionate and creative workers
Tom would like to acknowledge the vital role SOLAS and the Office of Public Works have played in making the Stonecutting & Stonemasonry Apprenticeship program a reality.
In particular, the OPW's continued support of the program has helped ensure the future of this timeless craft for future generations
If you're interested in learning more about a future in stoneworking check out the apprenticeship programmes run by Kerry College of Further Education and the OPW shared in our shownotes.
If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, or ideas about future guests or topics, we’d love to hear from you so please give us a review and leave a comment wherever you get your podcasts, or get in touch by emailing us at spabireland@gmail.com
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Hosted by Róisín Beirne and Livia Artibani
Edited by Graeme Baldwin
Reviewed by Tríona Byrne, Shona O’Keefe, Gissella Renolfi & Róisín Beirne.
Artwork by Róisín Beirne and Gissella Renolfi.
Theme music by Cillian Byrne.
Generously supported by the Heritage Council under their Heritage Capacity Fund 2023.
SHOWNOTES
Favourite Building - his own house: a two storey stone labourers cottage built around 1900.
Tom's contact details : tomlittle@kerrycollege.ie / tomlittlestonecarving@hotmail.com
Kerry College Apprenticeship Programme
Drystone Walling Association of Ireland
Féile na gCloch (Festival of Stone) Inis Oirr, 14th to 17th September 2023
Galway Cathedral : Cathedral of Our Lady into Heaven and St Nicholas
1973 video of sculptor Michael Biggs on the dying craft of stone carving and how his stonework for a Dún Laoghaire church gives it new life.
RTE archives on Oisín Kelly retrospective
Heart to Hearth - In conversation with Tom Pollard
Pat McAfee books
Stone Buildings: Conservation. Restoration. History
Irish Stone Walls: History, Building, Conservation
Ballyknockan : A Wicklow Stonecutters village
ROI Government built heritage advice series - Conservation and repair of masonry ruins
SPAB Advice : Stone walls
SPAB Advice: Stone Floors
SPAB Technical Advice Note : The Need for Old Buildings to 'Breathe'
SPAB Advice : Crafts
Heart to Hearth
Chats about Irish Vernacular Buildings
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